Fiction Writing II
Overcoming Common Challenges
About this Article
Writing fiction is an incredibly rewarding experience, but it can also be incredibly challenging. From crafting unique characters to constructing engaging plot lines, there are a lot of challenges that come with writing a great novel. In this article, I’ll explore six common fiction writing challenges and provide tips for overcoming them. I’ll provide a comprehensive guide to help you produce a brilliant piece of fiction. So, join me as I equip you with the tools to write your perfect story!
Challenge ONE
Starting a novel | Beginning a novel is perhaps the most intimidating challenge a fiction writer can face. It's difficult to know just where to start, or even what you want your story to be about. You can overcome this challenge with the right attitude.
One of the first steps is to brainstorm ideas. This could be a character, a setting, or a concept. Write about the idea without worrying about organization or direction. From here, you can decide what direction your novel will take.
Once you have some ideas, establish a core theme—the primary idea that will drive your story. This may grow over time, but having a core foundation will help you stay focused.
You also need to decide on a structure. This can range from a linear story progression to a nonlinear method. Changing up the structure can affect the pacing, so think carefully about which one works for you.
Next, it’s time to create your characters. Developing characters is key to any excellent novel, as they are the individuals who will carry the story. Think about what their goals and motivations are, as well as their flaws. You can also think of their significance to the story and how their relationships with other characters will expand.
Finally, you need to establish a timeline. This will help you keep track of events, characters, and other plot points as you write. It can also help you chart out future chapters and ensure that everything fits together properly.
Starting a novel can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. By taking the right steps, you can overcome this challenge and begin the exciting journey of writing your novel. All it takes is a little creativity and the determination to get started.
Challenge TWO
Plotting | Plotting is one of the most challenging aspects of fiction writing, and often the root cause of many writers’ struggles. Plotting a story can be difficult, as it requires careful consideration of the story’s sequence of events, characters, setting, and themes. It is important for a writer to plan out their plot ahead of time. Do this in order to avoid pacing issues, plot holes, or potential dead ends. These issues can make a story difficult to read or comprehend.
The basic structure of a story plot typically follows the four-act structure. You can adjust this as needed based on the sort of story you’re writing. The four-act structure follows a format of…
Introduction - In the introduction, you introduce the central plot or conflict, followed by the characters.
Rising Action - The rising action includes the main turning points of the story, building up the tension and leading to the climax.
Climax - The climax is the peak of excitement. This is where you resolve the conflict and complete the main story arc.
Resolution - the resolution ties it all together, revealing any loose ends and giving a sense of closure.
To ensure your plot moves smoothly, it is important to create plot points and turning points that lead to the climax.
A plot point is an event that adds plot development. You relate it to the overall plot arc.
A turning point is an event that leads to a shift in the plot, opening the way for the climax to occur.
Plot structure should build in stakes by introducing challenges, conflicts, and setbacks the protagonist or characters must overcome or find solutions. The stakes should be meaningful, raising the tension and urgency for the reader, as this will make the climax more dramatic, more powerful.
To avoid pacing issues, a story should have an uneven pace and structure. You can do this by adding moments of calm between the intense scenes, yet still keeping the focus on the main plot arc. This will help to keep the reader engaged and make the story more interesting. Last, it is essential to end the story in a satisfying way that is true to the characters and the plot. Resolutions should be believable and should provide resolution to the fundamental conflict.
Problem THREE
Creating Characters | Creating believable and interesting characters is one of the most important skills for a fiction writer to have. Characters are the foundation of any story, as they are the ones who drive the plot and make readers connect to the story. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to create characters that will be interesting, complex, and evoke emotion from readers.
When writing characters, it’s important to think about the type of character you are creating. Ask the following questions:
Are they the protagonist or antagonist?
Are they a flat or round character?
Are they someone readers can identify with, or someone that is completely foreign to them?
It's also essential to consider a character's strengths and flaws, why they do what they do, and how they react and interact with other characters.
You’ll want to make sure that each character is unique and has their own personality. In order to create a unique character, think of traits they possess that distinguish them from the other characters. Consider their physical qualities, mannerisms, behavior, beliefs, and attitudes. The more defining traits you give a character, the easier it will be for readers to remember and recognize them throughout the story.
Do your research to ensure that characters are consistent. If you set your in a certain time period, for example, research the language, mannerisms, and culture of that time to make sure that your characters are true to the era. Try to stay away from stereotypes or cliches.
Creating characters is one of the more difficult aspects of writing fiction, but it doesn't have to be. By understanding the type of character you are writing, considering their unique traits, and doing your research, you can create characters that come to life.
Problem FOUR
Writing Dialogue | Dialogue is a crucial component of fiction writing. Writing effective dialogue can be a significant challenge. It requires writers to craft realistic and engaging conversations between characters. Poorly written dialogue can easily destroy any suspension of disbelief the reader has created for the story.
Dialogue offers an opportunity to make characters come alive. It can reveal the characters’ personalities and can move the plot forward. It can also give the reader insight into the characters’ motivations, intentions, and relationships with each other.
One of the biggest problems authors face is making the dialogue sound realistic. You don't want the dialogue to sound too stilted or contrived. Dialogue should never be a direct information dump, but should instead be natural and organic. It should reflect that character's personality and the situation they are in.
It is important to pay attention to the nuances of dialogue as well. Don't forget about the characters’ body language and vocal inflections. Adding these subtle details can make conversations come alive.
Use a variety of dialogue tags. Instead of just using “said”, try using words like “exclaimed”, “whispered”, “sneered”, “snarled”, etc. This will give the readers a stronger sense of what is being said and how it is being said.
You should also consider speech patterns. Characters may have different dialects or accents that you should represent accurately.
Finally, pay attention to the actual content of the dialogue. The conversations should be meaningful and serve a purpose. The dialogue should further the plot or reveal something about the character.
By following these tips, you can learn to craft realistic and engaging dialogue that will draw readers in and keep them invested in the story. Writing good dialogue is a challenging part of fiction writing, but it is essential for creating a believable and engaging world for the reader.
Problem FIVE
Managing Point of View | In writing an interesting story, captivating character arcs, and interesting dialogue, a major challenge for fiction writers is properly managing point of view (POV). POV is the narrator’s perspective and the attitude with which they tell the story. It’s the method most writers employ to show the reader the world of their story, what’s happening, and how their characters are feeling.
There are three major categories of POV: first person, second person, and third person. Each offers advantages and drawbacks, and mastering how to maneuver them is essential to any writer’s success.
First-person POV allows the narrator is a protagonist in your story and only experiences what they can directly observe. This often gives readers a limited view of the overall storyline, but allows them a powerful connection with the protagonist’s emotions. It’s perfect for creating a character-driven narrative.
Second-person POV allows the narrator to address the reader directly, making them the protagonist of the story. This type of POV has the potential to blur the line between reader and protagonist and create a unique storytelling experience.
Third-person POV is the most common type of POV among fiction writers. It allows the narrator to tell the reader about characters and events from an objective or omniscient point of view. This type of POV is helpful when the story contains multiple perspectives, as the narrator can switch between characters and viewpoints without disrupting the narrative flow.
No matter the type of POV you choose, consistency is key. If you switch between multiple styles of POV, it's confusing to your reader and creates a disjointed experience. That’s why it’s important to understand each style and determine which one is best for your story before you write.
Finally, it’s important to remember that POV is just one story element. As a writer, you should also consider the other components of your story, such as the genre, setting, and tone, and how they affect the reader’s experience. With the right combination of these elements, you will craft an unforgettable story.
Problem SIX
Editing and Revising | Editing and revising are an integral part of the writing process, and they can be one of the most intimidating parts of the journey. A good writing habit should include reviewing, revising, and proofreading your work. You may find it tough to take the plunge and make necessary changes, but it is a step you should never disregard.
Let’s look at six tips to help you make the most of this essential stage of the writing process.
Know the Difference: It's helpful to distinguish between editing and revising by understanding that editing means assessing and refining the overall structure and content of your story while revising means honing in on the details and mechanics of the writing.
Start Early: You should make revisions during the writing process, and also after you’ve completed your work. Read through what you’ve written after each session, and make any improvements to sentences, ideas, or characters that come to mind.
Be Ruthless: If you’ve been procrastinating on editing and revising, embrace the challenge and be ruthless in culling superfluous words, ideas, and passages from your novel. Delete, delete, delete!
Set it Aside: When you’ve finished a draft, take several days or a week away from it to gain a better perspective. Once you’ve taken a break, be sure to read through with fresh eyes. It may surprise you at what you find!
Enlist a Friend: We all need a second opinion, so having someone else read through your work can be incredibly beneficial. They will offer a unique point of view and suggest changes that can help improve the flow and clarity of your story.
Remember, editing and revising are critical steps in the writing process. With patience and perseverance, you can make sure that your work is the very best it can be.
Conclusion:
Writing fiction is a complex skill that affects many areas of creativity, but with the right tools and techniques, you can overcome the common challenges and become a successful fiction writer. As you start your novel, carefully plan out your plot, create memorable characters, and develop a realistic dialogue that serves your story's purpose. Be sure to stick to the same point of view throughout the piece to keep it consistent and authentic, and don't forget to make time to edit and revise your work before you share it with the world. With this guidance, you'll be well on your way to becoming a successful fiction writer!
